Getting started

Hello,

I've just ordered my first theremin (Theremax), and I can't wait to build it and play with it.

But then, I'll have to learn how to use it! What is a good way to learn, considering that my final goal is to play melodies? (I'm pretty confident that I'll be able to make strange noise without much training).

I've never been very good at solfege, I hope I can do it by ear. What is the profile of people out there? Are most people good at an other instrument before starting theremin, or learning it as a first instrument?

[i]I've just ordered my first theremin (Theremax), and I can't wait to build it and play with it.[/i]

Congratulations. The theremax is a challenging and fun kit and it has a nice tone quality. It is certainly a playable theremin.

[i]But then, I'll have to learn how to use it! What is a good way to learn, considering that my final goal is to play melodies?[/i]

I would suggest that you order the Peter Pringle dvd. The technique that he uses will work with the Theremax. There are other books available on technique, though I personally prefer the Pringle video. If you can get your hands on the Clara Rockmore Video, I would highly recommend that, too.

You can also check out the videos on my website http://kevinkissinger.com where I demonstrate some basic aerial fingering techniques. While I am playing an Epro in the videos, I own a Theremax (I started the same as you, by building a Theremax), and the techniques that I use with the Epro are transferrable to the Theremax.

[i]I'm pretty confident that I'll be able to make strange noise without much training.[/i]

To make noises with the theremin is a good way to loosen up. And who knows, you may create some nice freeform music.

[i]I've never been very good at solfege, I hope I can do it by ear. What is the profile of people out there? Are most people good at an other instrument before starting theremin, or learning it as a first instrument?[/i]

There are as many backgrounds as there are people, of course. Most (not all) thereminists who play melodies first started on other instruments.

You may want to work with your solfege -- to play the theremin requires one to hear intervals. Since there is no tactile reference with a theremin, the only way to tell if you are "on key" is by ear. To cultivate your sense of pitch will be important to your progress.

I would caution about running out, buying every book on technique, and trying to learn them all. Suggest that you choose a technique and then practice and refine.

How does one choose a technique? Well, one way is to listen to different thereminists. While there are many fine thereminists most have their distinctive style and approach. By all means, focus on the techniques/approaches of thereminists who's playing you wish to emulate.

Best wishes to you. May you enjoy your theremin journey.

[i]-- Kevin[/i]

Thank you!

I'll probably get the Peter Pringle DVD. How long did it take for you until you could play your first melody on a Theremin?

[i]"How long did it take for you until you could play your first melody on a Theremin?"[/i]

I was playing melodies after about three very long, intense, evenings of practice with a downloaded copy of Clara Rockmore's technical excercises. However, I was going strictly by ear... I had no real technique at that time.

To actually watch a live thereminist is valuable. The drawback of video is that the camera angle can produce a misleading picture.

For example, due to the camera angle, it often looks like thereminists play across in front of them, in reality, they are playing from their shoulder to the rod. (this is akin to the illusion when watching baseball on TV and it appears the pitcher is pitching a weird angle to the batter.)

Your experience may vary however I have seen people progress very quickly when they had the opportunity to watch a live thereminist up close. If you have the opportunity to watch a thereminist, don't miss it!

I don't have a lot to add after Kevin's post but I will say that perhaps you should mess around with the instrument a little before deciding on a technique. Just make some noises with it and see how you fell and what positioning feel natural to you, where you like zero beat to be, etc.

Just don't mess around so long that you develop bad habits that will have to be un-learned.

I spent many months approaching the instrument from the side of the pitch ariel before discovering that moving my hand to and away from by body gives me a lot more control.

Watching live players and videos both have value and you should do both if you can.

And by all means, visit Kevin's website...

Kevin, I just listened to "Cowboy Song" and I love it! I don't know how I missed that before.

Thanks, Diggy! Glad that you like "Cowboy Song". "Cowboy Song" was a lot of fun to put together and I still enjoy playing it.

[i]-- Kevin[/i]